On Media

Peter King: Brian Williams did Edward Snowden infomercial

Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) said Thursday morning that NBC News’ Brian Williams gave Edward Snowden “an infomercial” in his interview with the National Security Agency leaker.

King said Williams, whose interview aired Wednesday night, helped perpetuate the myth that Snowden deserves to come back to the United States or get some kind of leniency.

“That's the whole myth developed around Edward Snowden," King said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” "Unfortunately, I think Brian Williams added to that last night, basically giving you an infomercial. Brian Williams did not ask Edward Snowden one question, give the name of one American whose rights have been violated, give one instance where the NSA has violated the statute, has violated the court, the fact is that all of this talk, they cannot give one example of any American’s right being violated. In fact, this is the most scrutinized, carefully regulated system we have.”

King went on to defend the NSA’s practices, saying it has not taken anyone’s information, is not reading e-mails and cannot listen to phone calls without the approval of a court in a similar manner to the FBI and local police.

“I agree with [Secretary of State] John Kerry, for once I agree with John Kerry, that Edward Snowden is a traitor. He’s put American lives at risk,” King said.